Gomez rewards Löw with winner

Matchwinner Mario Gomez said he was happy to have been able to "repay the coach" with Germany's matchwinner against Portugal, but captain Philipp Lahm acknowledged luck had played a part in his team's successful start to Group B.

Mario Gomez, Germany forwardI have had two successful years. It was a long road to get to here, and I am very happy that the coach put his faith in me. I have had a good feeling since the first day I came here, and so I was able to repay the coach. It was clear that Miro [Klose] would be brought on for the last couple of minutes. I thought I would get a last chance, and I took it. That's football. I think the ball was deflected, and it landed directly on my head, and then it wasn't that difficult anymore.

Holger Badstuber, Germany defenderIt was the most important thing to start the tournament with a win. It was very important for our self-confidence, and we did it. It was a tough battle, but I think we deserved to win it. So we can now release a little bit of the pressure, and focus on our next game. For the Netherlands, it's do or die. It'll be a tough one. It's always been a prestigious encounter, and I think it will be even tougher than usual as it's crucial for them. We will go there full of confidence, not to hide. We will try to recover well tomorrow, and show our best side out on the pitch. We can go out and play full of confidence, and I hope we can achieve another win.

Philipp Lahm, Germany defenderIt was very important to start with a win. In the first half, we were the better team and had the better chances, except the Pepe shot against the bar. In the second half, it became more and more difficult for us. In the end, we've been a little bit lucky, but you need luck to win such matches.

Sami Khedira, Germany midfielderIt was the first game so a win was especially important. It was a very hard-fought, sapping game. Our strength deserted us at the end.

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